After a long year of regional qualifying events, the field has been decided and the world’s best junior (18-year and under) surfers will head to the South Coast from January 4-13 to crown the men’s and women’s World Champions for 2017.

WSL has continued to work closely the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW to ensure another successful event.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said the event would give Kiama worldwide exposure and attract thousands of visitors to the region.  

“The WSL World Junior Championships is the premier event for young surfers and will see the very best athletes from around the world coming to Kiama to compete,” Ward said.

“It will be a huge boost to the South Coast, confirming the region’s reputation as a must visit for surfers.

“In addition, the event will be seen through a live webcast, highlights TV show and inclusion in other WSL Championship Tour broadcasts, showcasing the stunning South Coast to a global audience.”

Each of the seven WSL regions (Africa, Australia / Oceania, Asia, Europe, Hawaii,  North America and South America) have been running Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) events throughout the year.

At the conclusion of each series, the top four men and top two women from each region head to Kiama where they will face off for a World Title.

"The WSL Junior Championships have long existed as the barometer for future greatness, a springboard to the elite level and have crowned some of our sport’s greatest icon," WSL deputy commissioner Travis Logie said.

"We're really excited that it's heading back to Kiama NSW, a beautiful area with a plethora of great waves and the perfect venue to crown our Junior World Champs.

“This is an event that has been won by some of the sports biggest names including Joel Parkinson, Laura Enever, Adriano de Sousza, Sally Fitzgibbons and of course the late Andy Irons, and with the talent we have this year I’m sure these young athletes will go on to big things in their surfing careers. "

Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, said the WSL World Junior Championships will see the region and its beaches promoted around the world.

“The Championships will be seen right around the surfing world, through a live webcast, TV show highlight package and inclusion in other WSL Championship Tour events, showcasing our region to potential visitors,” Ward said.

“I can’t wait to welcome competitors to Kiama in January 2018 for the WSL World Junior Championships.”

The 2017 WSL World Junior Championship will be held from January 4-13 January 2018. 

For more information, highlights and images, head to www.worldsurfleague.com and on the WSL App.